James Wilcox
A master of whatever is required by the day! A high school social studies teacher, published author, father of 3, stay home Mr. Mom during the summer and being an attentive husband are just a few things that keep James on his toes. In his spare time James is a writer and photographer. Before returning to school for his Master's Degree in Education James was a photo journalist for the Independence Examiner. James is active in FIRE (Foundation for Inclusive Religious Education) and is actively involved at the CCVI (Children's Center for the Visually Impaired). He is also busy learning braille with his son Nathan who lives with the effects of ROP, Nathan was a micro-preemie who was born at 24 weeks gestation. James and his family live in Kansas City. To Read about James' book, "Sex, Lies and the Classroom," or order your own copy, visit JamesPWilcox.com
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published: 3/13/2010 12:00:00 AM
I think I jinxed myself, I really do. In last week’s post, I talked about how my son “ruined” my daughter’s birthday because he got sick and we had to cancel her birthday party (he didn’t actually ruin his sister’s birthday, she still had a great day and we only had to postpone the party one day). Well, my birthday was back on Monday and guess what. I was the one who was sick this ...
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by: James Wilcox
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published: 3/6/2010 12:00:00 AM
Last weekend, my daughter celebrated her third birthday. Although my wife and I decided not to have a “kid” party, we did plan to have my side of the family over for her birthday party (we celebrated with my wife’s side of the family the week before). We spent the week before cleaning, running back and forth to the story for decorations, supplies, food and presents, and my wife (who thinks she belongs on Ace ...
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by: James Wilcox
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published: 2/27/2010 12:00:00 AM
As the Model UN Coordinator at my school, it is my responsibility to prepare my students to participate in the Model UN Conference, which is held in late February in Stamford CT. Now let me just tell everyone that I don’t actually like travelling all that much. Part of it has to do with the fact that I don’t like to fly. I don’t get sick or feel claustrophobic or anything, I just don’t like ...
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by: James Wilcox
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published: 2/20/2010 12:00:00 AM
For about a week now, I have been trying to explain what a sacrifice is to my boys. Both of them have been concerned about what they should “give up” for Lent, with ideas ranging from Braille class to taking a bath. Some of their ideas have been made in jest, while others have been serious. I appreciate the fact that they want to “give up” something for Lent, but I also want them to ...
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by: James Wilcox
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published: 2/13/2010 12:00:00 AM
When I asked my wife to marry me, the last thing I was worried about was the date of the wedding. Once she said yes and jumped headlong into the planning process, it quickly became apparent that the date of the wedding was going to be my biggest problem. My wife originally wanted to have a Christmas wedding, but her parents quickly quashed the December wedding plans. Everyone settled on a June wedding date, until ...
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by: James Wilcox
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published: 2/6/2010 12:00:00 AM
I am blessed to be the father of three children; two boys and one girl. My oldest son will be nine in March, the youngest turned seven back in November. My daughter will turn three later this month. Now that I have been a father for almost nine years, I am finally starting to figure out some of the differences between boys and girls (at least with my own children).
My boys are ...
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by: James Wilcox
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published: 1/30/2010 12:00:00 AM
Earlier this week, I learned that an acquaintance of mine (the husband of a lady I used to teach with) had dies of a massive heart-attack. Although I didn’t know him all that well, the news really hit me hard because I see myself in him. He was 40, I’m an only 38. He was a father of four children (his youngest was born back in September), while I only have three. He was a ...
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by: James Wilcox
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published: 1/23/2010 12:00:00 AM
Earlier this week, my boys came home from school very excited about the upcoming “jeans day”. If they brought at least one dollar to school they could wear jeans and the money raised is going to be donated to help the people of Haiti. Now, I was not surprised that the school was doing a fund-raiser for the people of Haiti, but I was surprised by my youngest son’s reaction.
My youngest boy recently turned ...
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by: James Wilcox
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published: 1/16/2010 12:00:00 AM
How do we make dreams come true?
I, like most fathers, have big dreams for my children. I dream that they will be scientists, doctors, police officers, professional athletes, or a member of this country’s military. I dream that the will be successful, provide me with a ton of grandchildren, and that they are happy. I dream that they will make the world a better place.
As a father, it is my job to provide ...
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by: James Wilcox
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published: 1/9/2010 12:00:00 AM
Getting through this week has been a challenge for many of us, as we have battled the snow, the slick roads and the frigid temperatures. The fact that every child in the city got at least two days off of school didn’t make life any easier.
Now it should be easy for me because I am a teacher. Unfortunately, I work for a private school and my children attend a different private school, which means ...
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by: James Wilcox
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published: 1/2/2010 12:00:00 AM
As one year ends and another begins, most people make resolutions for the new year. Although I have many of the typical resolutions for the coming year, things like losing weight and getting into shape, I have two resolutions, two wishes, for 2010. These wishes go hand in hand, but they are important.
First, I resolve to be more patient with my children. As every parent knows, there are times when it is difficult to ...
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by: James Wilcox
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published: 12/26/2009 12:00:00 AM
Generally, I am not a huge fan of snow. I like it when it is actually snowing (up to an inch or two). I stop liking it when I have to drive in it, it gets slushy, or when it gets all tracked up. Although I always say I would like a white Christmas, I actually am hoping for nothing more than a dusting.
Needless to say, I was not terribly excited when it started ...
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by: James Wilcox
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published: 12/19/2009 12:00:00 AM
When my wife started asking me several weeks ago what I want for Christmas, I gave her a blank stare. I really hadn’t thought about it and couldn’t think of anything off the top of my head. As the weeks have crept by, and my wife has continued to ask the same question, I have struggled to come up with an answer. Last night, it hit me and now I know exactly what I want ...
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by: James Wilcox
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published: 12/12/2009 12:00:00 AM
Why Do We Label?
Father
Husband
Brother
Uncle
Teacher
Coach
Scout Leader
Photographer
Writer
I, like most people, have been assigned a variety of labels. These labels are used to help others describe who I am. I am aware of most of my labels. I am proud of most of the labels that have been attached to my name, but some I am not. I am sure people use other labels, labels that are not ...
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by: James Wilcox
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published: 12/5/2009 12:00:00 AM
Last Christmas, my wife and I had to make a decision that we hoped we would never face: whether or not to give one of our children coal for Christmas.
My youngest son had a rough year last year, both at school and at home, and unfortunately my wife and I, as well as his teachers used the old “Santa Clause is watching” and “Santa will bring you coal” threat just a little too often ...
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by: James Wilcox